There are so many to choose from, but I guess my least Favorite time was 1999-2001, mainly because nothing was happening, I wasnt a BIG fan of RAVE, just a few cuts, and I guess I just lost PRINCE at that point. During the COME-GOLD days I think i was closest to him mainly because there was so much coming out, bootlegs and official eventhough he really didnt tour much here even though i saw 3 times in NYC in 1994. The PURPLE rain phase years are a blur to me because everyone was into him and it made it less enjoyable if that makes sense. The BATMAN phase also was not one of my faves, except for his LOOK. Lately on the 2001- current I feel pretty good, I enjoy the sounds and the LOOK, i really like the band Lineup, my only problem is the lack of constant music from him. I guess those years in the 90's spoiled me. As far the phase where i saw him most, that would be the EMANCIPATION-NPS years, i saw them about 8 times during that time period, i wasnt crazy about the EMANCIPATION shows, too many "hits", I enjoyed the Cover shows during NPS though more, during these years i really got hooked on RHONDA and i think when she disappeared for RAVE thats why i didnt enjoy that time period.

1988 - Lovesexy is the one 'till my day is done.

ATWD through the Lovesexy period...Simply perfect

I can't wait for this silly little JW phase to be over...

On to the next level.

Diamonds and Pearls just for the things that was going on in my life

dirtymind/controversy an Purple rain

cuz nuttin beats wearin grama's hat for church on stage


an nuttin beats dm/c cuz nuttin beats porno and guitar
a match made in the bowls o hell

86,87 & 88.Perfection.

Marrk said:

ya'll know.

I must admit that 1987/88 was such a fun time to be an European fan. He hit town every year, released albums that showed growth and were able to touch so many people.

Also when it came to LOOKS. His Sign Of The Times tour featured some of the best Prince photography EVER by Jeff Katz, who also did the album cover, which was designed by Laura LiPuma together with Prince.

And then the 12's, the b-sides, the concerts, the bootlegs, the meeting people at concerts, the Black Album, Prince perfoming his first ever Dutch aftershow that became his best known bootleg.

Well, etc,etc,etc

Marrk said:

Thee best period for Prince hands down!

joyinrepetition said:

I agree

PumponmyFunk said:

Couldn't agree more!

i started loosing him ever since 1990 when Grafitti Bridge came out. I was so dissapointed with the lay-out and the movie and all. By the way it's the worst LP cover ever released (well, it actually was my first Prince CD i bought as a new release).
I didn't like the compilation, but i did fell in love with the Question of U and a few others on there.
But eversice he released D&P i lost him the most...

...so i forgot to tell which is my favourite time..
well,when i discovered him in 1982, up till 1990 somewhere..
it was a brilliant time, and at leastonce a week you could find some news on the Prince front in every column.

Post-ATWIAD Pre-SOTT.

Post Push It Up era but pre I Like Funky Music.

I would've said 83-84, but I had the best Prince time October of this year.

Handclapsfingasnapz said:

rdhull said:

Sigh. Aren't you going to get sick of DM one of these days? Or r u playing it smart and rationing listens?

Handclapsfingasnapz said:

96?

Mine is 85-88.

charlottegelin said:

i've loved it for 8 years straight. and i listen to all the prince stuff i have sparingly, so i won't get worn out/bored with it.

LittlePill said:

:francis l. slap:

During PR era, cuz then it was cool to be a fan.

1986~ This year also includes all unreleased music as well. Some of Princes greatest songs were written then!!!
And the Parade tour ranks next to the ONA tour. This was a GREAT year to be a Prince fan

1986

charlottegelin said

??? ...
Dirty Mind is the ultimate Prince album
It's perfect ... how on earth could you get sick of this one?

...
When Prince started to compile his tracks for cd instead of LP ... yes, when the albums started to last
more than 60 minutes ... at that time I was getting sick of listening to those lousy fill-up-tracks.

I would say '83 to '88 was the best with '87-'88 being the best short period. During that time, you had SOTT, Lovesexy, and outtakes from the Camille Album, the Black Album, and Crystal Ball...pure heaven.

For me, the Batman soundtrack was the end of the Golden Age of Prince music. Sure he's done some wonderful stuff since then, but it was all downhill from there.